Outdoor recreation for groups is plentiful in Southwest Missouri, where attendees can find themselves ziplining over the Ozarks in Branson, bird watching and kayaking in Springfield, and hitting the links on either championship or miniature golf courses in Joplin.
Following are some great ideas for groups itching to spend at least a little time during the meeting experiencing the great outdoors.
Branson
Most meetings in Branson begin at least partially outdoors, as the Branson Convention Center is located at the heart of Branson Landing, a 1.2-mile waterfront entertainment/retail complex that attendees like to stroll and explore. The Landing is host to fun events during the year, especially during the warmer months when festivities include July 4 fireworks and various outdoor concerts.
Also located in Branson is the Payne Stewart Golf Club, a course that honors Missouri native and late PGA star Payne Stewart, and accommodates fun group tournaments for parties of 16 or more people.
Ranked the No. 1 golf course in Missouri by Golfweek magazine for four years running, this picturesque course also has a clubhouse that’s available for group gatherings before or after play.
For groups interested in swinging above the ground, Deborah Cohen, director of meeting and convention sales for the Branson/Lakes Area CVB, recommends planners check out the area’s various zipline opportunities.
“Branson has a diverse array of ziplining options for groups, from soaring over a lake or valley to pod-style ziplining, we have a fit for every group,” she says. “This activity allows attendees to really see the beauty of the Ozark Mountains.”
Among the options for a ziplining outing are Branson Zipline, located in the heart of the Ozarks, Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline at Branson Landing, which zips over Lake Taneycomo, Zip Line USA, a tree-top canopy tour located in Reeds Spring nearby Branson, and Vigilante Zip Rider at Shepherd of the Hills, which travels a half-mile at speeds reaching 50 mph.
A more relaxing outing is available aboard the 48-foot Spirit of America sailing catamaran, which offers private cruises on Table Rock Lake. Attendees can either assist the crew operate the vessel or sit back and enjoy the ride.
“Groups of up to 50 people can charter the Spirit of America for a sunset cruise after their meetings are finished for the day,” Cohen says. “This is a great idea for board meetings or retreats.”
Kayaking and paddle boarding outings on the sparkling waters of Lake Taneycomo or Table Rock Lake are popular options for active groups. Area outfitters include Kayak Branson and White River Kayaking & Outdoors.
“Groups love our kayaking and paddle boarding options,” Cohen says. “Attendees can explore our beautiful lakes and get some physical exercise in a fun way.”
Cohen says the CVB also recommends meeting planners set up small fishing outings and mini-tournaments with one of several local fishing guides, including Branson Guided Fishing Trips and John Sappinfton Fishing Guide.
“These guides know all the great fishing spots and the best lures/bait to catch a big one,” she says.
Springfield
According to Susan Wade, spokeswoman for the Springfield CVB, highlighting the outdoors in Springfield isn’t possible without mentioning Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, the first and largest Bass store in the world.
“Even during inclement weather, you can enjoy the outdoors indoors,” she says, explaining the store, a purveyor of outdoor gear that includes everything from fishing poles to sunglasses, also has huge aquariums, a three-story waterfall and taxidermy displays.
Similarly, the lodge-themed White River Conference Center, according to Wade, is “perfect for those groups who want to have events or meetings in an outdoor setting without actually being outdoors.”
The conference center, she explains, features the 2,590-square-foot Sportsman’s Lodge, which has a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and access to a wraparound patio overlooking landscaped green space; and the 9,700-square-foot Grand Ballroom, which has a backdrop featuring life-sized trees and wildlife taxidermy.
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The Springfield Conservation Nature Center, which has meeting space, is a serene place to visit for an overview of the area’s natural allure.
The free visitor center has wildlife and educational displays as well as walking trails that meander through a variety of habitats, giving patrons the opportunity to explore the topography of the Missouri Ozarks and view native wildlife.
“The Nature Center is definitely a popular place to enjoy the outdoors in Springfield,”
Wade says.
The Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is another.
It features paved walking/biking trails, more than 20 free public gardens, a free native butterfly house that’s open Saturdays during the summer, a lake, a botanical center and the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden.
“This is an amazing park,” Wade says. “Groups can enjoy passive activities, such as spending time in the gardens, or get a good workout on the trails.”
Finally, Springfield is home to an abundance of lakes and rivers that Wade recommends for boating, fishing, canoeing, bird watching and kayaking excursions.
Among them is Lake Springfield, which is home to a boathouse that has event space and a marina.
“The boathouse is a great place to have a meeting,” Wade says. “During breaks, attendees can walk the trails or rent a kayak and enjoy the scenery.”
Joplin
The outdoors are enjoyed in Joplin when groups hit the links on group-friendly golf courses, including Eagle Creek Golf Club, Schifferdecker Golf Course and, for amateurs in the group, the outdoor Route 66 Carousel Park Mini Golf also makes for a fun team-bonding outing.
An outdoor teambuilding option for younger groups, or at least groups with an overall advanced fitness level, is a tournament at Paintball Ridge, which accommodates groups of 200-plus players.
And at Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, which is adjacent to some of the last remaining chert glades, a unique habitat found only in this area, attendees can hike and bird-watch.
Wildcat also has outdoor facilities for group gatherings, including a pavilion, gazebo and bridge.
CAROLYN BLACKBURN is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus.
